DE102016100691A1 - System and method with one system - Google Patents

Abstract

Method with a system and a system with a mobile key device (2) for reading data from at least one external device (9) of a system (8), the data comprising at least identification data for the device to be checked (9) and wherein the mobile Key device (2) has an interface (10) by means of which the data can be transmitted wirelessly from the device (9) to the key device (2), wherein at least one limited access area (6) is arranged with an access station (7) Device (9) is accessible only via the access area (6), so that the access area (6) of a person (17) with the key device (2) before reading the device (9) and after reading the device (9) has to be passed, wherein the data of the key device (2) to a key station (4) are transferable.

Description

The present invention relates to a system with a mobile key device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method with a system according to the preamble of claim 7.

A machine or plant consists of a large number of electrical or electronic devices, such as sensors, actuators, for example valves, power supply units, operating units, display units or control units.

These devices have important information about a production process or a process flow. For example, information about downtime, downtime or error messages is stored in the devices. This information is usually stored only locally in the devices.

According to the prior art, such devices are partially networked, so that the devices can forward the information to a higher-level system. For this purpose, however, each device must have a suitable connection and networking, for example, a bus system must be made available.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide information of individual devices to a higher-level system without the need for networking the devices.

The object is achieved according to claim 1 by a system with a mobile key device for reading data from at least one external device of a system, the data comprising at least identification data for the device to be checked and wherein the mobile key device has an interface by means of which the data wirelessly transferable from the device to the key device, wherein at least a limited access area is arranged with an access station, the device being accessible only through the access area such that the access area is from a person with the key device before reading the device and after reading the device must be passed, the data of the key device can be transferred to a key station.

The object is further achieved by a method having a system with a mobile key device for reading data from at least one external device of a system, the data comprising at least identification data for the device to be checked and wherein the mobile key device has an interface, by means of which Data is transmitted wirelessly from the device to the key device, wherein at least a limited access area is arranged with an access station, the device is accessible only through the access area, so that the access area of a person with the key device before reading the device and after Reading the device is passed, the data of the key device are transmitted to the key station.

The system may, for example, be a security system, for example a security system according to machine safety, for example according to US Pat Standard EN / ISO 13849-1 or the Standard EN / IEC 62061 which, for example, provides the framework for functional safety of safety-related electrical control systems and their subsystems on machines.

The key device according to the invention can be designed very simply. It is, for example, a handy key device that can easily be carried or carried by a person. Optionally, the key device has controls and at least one indicator.

Next, the key device has an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is formed for example by a microcontroller. Furthermore, the key device has a memory to store data on the key device.

The key station is located outside the security area. The key station receives the at least one key device in a recording. The recording may be, for example, a tray or a slot. The key station is designed to read out the key device and to evaluate the data of the key device in an evaluation unit or to forward it to an ERP system.

The access area is a spatially limited access area with an access station such as a gate or a door. Only through this access area is the security area of the system accessible. It can also be arranged several access areas. Especially with very large systems with, for example, multiple security areas, this can be useful.

The access station may for example comprise electronic means such as an electronic door switch, whereby it is possible to check whether the access area has been opened.

The plant may, for example, be an industrial plant for the production of products. For example, this is part of a production plant for automobiles. The system can also be a part a machine or a system with multiple machines. The system has a safety area that must not be entered by persons when the system is active, as the person may be endangered by parts of the system. For example, the plant is one or more robots whose hazardous area of action lies within the safety area.

The at least one external device is arranged within the security area. The device or devices are, for example, arranged stationary, so that they can not be removed. But they can also be mobile devices. The device is integrated in the system, for example.

The device contains at least data for identification that can be retrieved wirelessly from the key device via an interface. The interface is preferably a radio interface. Optionally, however, the interface may also be an optical interface.

The device may be, for example, a valve, an actuator, a sensor or another electrical or electronic device. In addition to the identification data, device status data and / or device data is transmitted to the key device. This can be operating data, process data or similar data. For example, the device status information is error messages or operational behavior data such as device downtime. For example, these are pressure values of a valve.

According to the invention, the key device is carried by the person to reach the devices. While the person carries the key device, the system can not be reactivated.

The retrieval of data by the key device on the device can be done automatically. Ie. if the person has approached the device at a certain minimum distance, the data of the device is automatically read from the key device.

The person carrying the key device may optionally retrieve the data from the device using the key device itself. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that an action, for example an actuation of a key on the key device, must be performed by the person, for example. This ensures that the data of the device is not automatically retrieved by the key device, but always an active action of the person is necessary to retrieve the data.

For example, the device may be very simple to provide the data. In the simplest case, the device additionally requires a memory and an interface for data provision.

There are usually a variety of devices available. Especially with large systems or large security areas or large systems with a plurality of security areas more devices are available. It can be provided that the key device retrieves at least data of a device. However, it is provided in particular that a key device retrieves data at several devices. In particular, it is provided that the key device retrieves data on a plurality of devices in a specific order.

The communication between the key device and the device can be unidirectional or bidirectional. In the simplest case, simply reading the data of the device is sufficient. However, it may also be provided that data is written to the device by the key device.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the key devices can only be removed from authorized persons from the key station. For example, authorized persons, such as operators or service personnel, must log on to the key station using an electronic identity card or other means of identification to obtain a key device. When the key device is removed, a start identifier is sent, for example, from the key station to the key device.

The key devices can also be assigned to certain persons, so that a specific key device can only be picked up or taken by a specific person.

In a development of the invention, the key device has an RFID reader in order to read RFID signals from the external devices, wherein the external devices provide RFID signals.

In a development of the invention, the external device has at least one RFID transponder.

The devices are thus very simple, namely only in addition to a simple, inexpensive RFID transponder.

The RFID reader has an antenna arrangement for communication with the device, which has an RFID transponder, wherein the RFID transponder comprises at least one coil for interacting with the antenna arrangement of the RFID reader device.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems are used in transceiver systems for the automatic and non-contact identification and / or localization of RFID transponders with radio waves. An RFID system typically includes first the RFID transponder (also referred to as a "tag" or "radio tag") that includes an antenna and is located on or in the device. As a rule, it comprises a characteristic identification data code which can be interrogated via the antenna arrangement by the RFID reader of the RFID system (also referred to as "transceiver"). The RFID reader includes the antenna assembly and a transceiver circuit (e.g., the EM4095 chip from EM Microelectronics) for reading that identifier from the RFID transponder. To read the identifier from the RFID transponder, the RFID reader typically generates alternating magnetic fields in order to transmit signals to the RFID transponder. The RFID transponder is designed, after receipt of a corresponding signal from the RFID reader, to send back a data, in particular the identifier, comprehensive signal in response to the RFID reader, which evaluates this with the evaluation unit and further processed.

In RFID systems, the RFID reader generates alternating magnetic fields, which are not only provided for transmitting the data, but can also serve to provide the RFID transponder with energy.

An RFID system thus has the advantage that the RFID transponder does not require its own power supply and can therefore be used flexibly. The RFID transponder derives its energy via radio waves or radio waves from the RFID reader. The RFID transponder is addressed via the antenna arrangement of the RFID reader and responds to the RFID reader with an information stored in the RFID transponder. The information transmitted by the transponder of the RFID system is received by the antenna arrangement and can then be evaluated in the evaluation unit. The stored information on the transponder contains at least one identifier, namely the identification data, which identifies the RFID transponder.

Since the RFID transponder is detected by radio waves, the system is very robust against environmental influences. Therefore, the RFID reader can be used with the RFID transponder in very harsh environments, such as in industrial environments where lubricants are used and it can, for example, come to a high degree of contamination.

Since the identification of the RFID transponder is carried out via radio waves, in contrast to an optical solution, no line of sight between the key device and the device is necessary. Therefore, the key device and the device can be completely encapsulated to protect them from harmful environmental influences.

Furthermore, the access station of the access area can be locked, for example, and only passable with the key device.

This prevents unauthorized access and only an authorized person, who is in possession of the key device, can enter the security area.

This increases the security for people because the security area can no longer be entered unintentionally. This also increases the availability of the system. For example, at the access station there is an electronic locking device as a lock which automatically releases the access area if the person carries the key device with him.

In a further development of the invention, the access station is connected to an ERP system.

An enterprise resource planning system (ERP) describes a system that has the entrepreneurial task of planning and allocating resources such as capital, personnel, operating resources, materials, information and communication technology, IT systems in a timely manner and according to the purpose of the business Taxes. The aim is to ensure an efficient operational value-added process and a constantly optimized management of the business and operational processes.

One of the core functions of ERP systems in manufacturing companies is, for example, material requirements planning, which must ensure that all materials required for the manufacture of the products and components are available in the right place, at the right time and in the right quantity.

An ERP system is a complex system, such as a variety of inter-communicating application software or IT systems used to support resource planning throughout the enterprise. Complex ERP systems are often used in Systems, for example, split application modules that can be combined with each other depending on the needs of the business.

In a further development of the invention, the data has a time specification. This ensures that the data originated in the device. This allows the data to be sorted one after the other and evaluated accordingly.

The invention will be explained below with regard to further advantages and features with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to embodiments. The figure of the drawing shows in:

1 a system with a mobile key device.

In the following figure, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals.

1 shows a system 1 with a mobile key device 2 to read data from at least one external device 9 a plant 8th , wherein the data identifying data for the device to be tested 9 and wherein the mobile key device 2 an interface 10 by means of which the data can be transmitted wirelessly from the device to the key device.

Next is at least a limited access area 6 with an access station 7 arranged, with the device 2 only over the access area 6 is accessible, so the access area 6 from a person 17 with the key device 2 before reading the device 9 and after reading the device 9 must be done, taking the data of the key device 2 to a key station 4 are transferable.

At the key device 2 For example, it is a handy key device 2 that easily from a person 17 can be carried or carried. Optionally, the key device points 2 Operating elements and at least one display element.

Next points the key device 2 an evaluation unit 3 on. The evaluation unit 3 is formed for example by a microcontroller. Next points the key device 2 a store on to data on the key device 2 save.

The key station 4 is outside the security area 16 arranged. The key station 4 takes that at least one key device 2 in a recording 5 on. At the recording 5 For example, it may be a tray or a slot. The key station 4 is designed to be the key device 2 read out and the data of the key device 2 evaluate in an evaluation unit or to an ERP system 18 forward.

The access area 6 is a spatially limited access area 6 with an access station 7 for example, a gate or a door. Only through this access area 6 is the security area 16 the plant 8th accessible. It can also have multiple access areas 6 be arranged. Especially for very large plants 8th with, for example, several security areas 16 this can be useful.

The access station 7 For example, it may include electronic means such as an electronic door switch, which makes it possible to check whether the access area has been opened.

At the plant 8th it may, for example, be an industrial plant for the manufacture of products. At the plant 8th It can also be a part of a machine or a system 8th to trade with several machines. The attachment 8th has a security area 16 not on people 17 may be entered when the plant 8th is active as the person 17 through parts of the plant 8th can be endangered. For example, it is the attachment 8th around one or more robots 14 whose dangerous area of activity within the security area 16 lies.

The at least one external device 9 is within the security area 16 arranged. The device or devices 9 For example, they are arranged stationary so that they can not be removed. It can also be mobile devices 9 act. The device 9 is for example in the plant 8th integrated.

The device 9 contains at least data for identification via an interface 10 wirelessly from the key device 2 can be retrieved. At the interface 10 it is preferably a radio interface. Optionally, it may be at the interface 10 but also act to an optical interface.

At the device 9 it may be, for example, a valve, an actuator, a sensor or other electrical or electronic device. In addition to the data for identification, device status information and / or device data is sent to the key device 2 transfer. This can be operating data, process data or similar data. For example, the device status information is error messages or operational behavior data such as device downtime 9 ,

According to 1 becomes the key device 2 from the person 17 carried along to the devices 9 to reach. While the person 17 the key device 2 With it, the plant can 8th also not be reactivated.

Retrieving data through the key device 2 on the device 9 can be done automatically. Ie. if the person is 17 the device 9 has approached a certain minimum distance, the data of the device 9 automatically from the key device 2 read.

The person 17 that is the key device 2 It can be optional with the key device 2 even from the device 9 retrieve the data. For this purpose, for example, be provided that of the person 17 For example, an action, such as pressing a key on the key device 2 must be performed. This ensures that the data of the device 9 through the key device 2 not automatically retrieved, but always an active action of the person 17 necessary to retrieve the data.

The device 9 For example, it can be very simple to provide the data. The device 9 needed in the simplest case additionally only a memory and an interface 10 for data provision.

Usually a variety of devices 9 available. Especially with large systems 8th or large security areas 16 or large plants 8th with a plurality of security areas 16 are several devices 9 available. It can be provided that the key device 2 at least data of a device 9 retrieves. However, it is provided in particular that the key device 2 on several devices 9 Retrieves data. In particular, it is provided that the key device 2 on several devices 9 retrieving data in a specific order.

The communication between the key device 2 and the device 9 can take place unidirectionally or bidirectionally. In the simplest case, simply reading the data of the device is sufficient 9 , However, it may also be provided that of the key device 2 Data in the device 9 to be written.

Optionally, it is envisaged that the key devices 2 only authorized persons from the key station 4 can be removed. For example, the authorized persons must 17 such as operators or service people using an electronic identity card or with the help of other means of identification at the key station 4 log in to a key device 2 to obtain. When removing the key device 2 for example, from the key station 4 a start identifier to the key device 2 Posted.

The key devices 2 can also be used by certain people 17 be assigned so that a particular key device 2 only from a specific person 17 can be taken or taken.

According to 1 has the key device 2 an RFID reader 11 on to get RFID signals from the external devices 9 to read, taking the external devices 9 Provide RFID signals. The external device 9 each has at least one RFID transponder 12 on.

Next is the access station 7 the access area 6 For example, lockable and only with the key device 2 passable.

According to 1 is the key station with an ERP system 18 connected.

Furthermore, the data has a time indication. This ensures when the data is in the device 9 have arisen. This allows the data to be sorted one after the other and evaluated accordingly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 system

2

 mobile key device

3

 evaluation

4

 key station

5

 admission

6

 access area

7

 access station

8th

 investment

9

 device

10

 interface

11

 RFID reader

12

 RFID transponder

14

 robot

16

 security area

17

 person

18

 ERP system

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• Standard EN / ISO 13849-1 [0008]
• Standard EN / IEC 62061 [0008]

Claims (9)

System with a mobile key device ( 2 ) for reading data from at least one external device ( 9 ) of a plant ( 8th ), where the data contains at least identification data for the device to be checked ( 9 ) and wherein the mobile key device ( 2 ) an interface ( 10 ) by means of which the data is transmitted wirelessly from the device ( 9 ) to the key device ( 2 ) are transferable, characterized in that at least one limited access area ( 6 ) with an access station ( 7 ), the device ( 9 ) only via the access area ( 6 ), so that the access area ( 6 ) from a person ( 17 ) with the key device ( 2 ) before reading the device ( 9 ) and after reading the device ( 9 ), whereby the data of the key device ( 2 ) to a key station ( 4 ) are transferable. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the key device can only be removed by authorized persons from the key station. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key device ( 2 ) an RFID reader ( 11 ) to receive RFID signals from the external devices ( 9 ), whereby the external devices ( 9 ) Provide RFID signals. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external device ( 9 ) at least one RFID transponder ( 12 ) having. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key station ( 4 ) with an ERP system ( 18 ) connected is. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data have a time indication. Method with a system ( 1 ) with a mobile key device ( 2 ) for reading data from at least one external device ( 9 ) of a plant ( 8th ), where the data contains at least identification data for the device to be checked ( 9 ) and wherein the mobile key device ( 2 ) an interface ( 10 ) by means of which the data is transmitted wirelessly from the device ( 9 ) to the key device ( 2 ), characterized in that at least one limited access area ( 6 ) with an access station ( 7 ), the device ( 9 ) only via the access area ( 6 ), so that the access area ( 6 ) from a person ( 17 ) with the key device ( 2 ) before reading the device ( 9 ) and after reading the device ( 9 ), whereby the data of the key device ( 2 ) to the key station ( 4 ) be transmitted. Method according to the preceding claim 7, characterized in that the key device can be removed only by authorized persons from the key station. Method according to at least one of the dependent claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the key device ( 2 ) an RFID reader ( 11 ) to receive RFID signals from the external devices ( 9 ), whereby the external devices ( 9 ) Provide RFID signals.

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